Santa on the Midland Hwy.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
Drivers travelling through Lima in the lead-up to Christmas are being greeted by an unexpected paddock-side spectacle, with hay bales across the district transformed into teddy bears, snowmen, Santas and other festive creations.
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The light-hearted hay bale trail has quietly grown into a seasonal tradition for the small Victorian community, and this year more residents than ever have joined in, turning ordinary farm staples into roadside Christmas cheer.
Teddy has a red tie, Christmas hat and candy canes.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
For Stephanie Renkin, this year marked her family’s first time taking part, with a giant teddy bear now sitting proudly near their letterbox.
“This is our first year doing the hay bale art,” Ms Renkin said.
“The community has been doing it for a couple of years now, and we’ve finally jumped on board.”
Rudolph and a Christmas tree say a cheery hello to drivers along the Midland Hwy.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
She said the idea gained momentum after one neighbour set the creative standard, prompting others to lift their game.
“One started it along Mansfield Rd,” she said.
“This year it caused a bit of a ruckus — people thought they had to step it up a little more.”
Santa and his boots struggle to make it down the chimney.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
Despite its impressive size, Ms Renkin said their teddy bear came together quickly.
“My husband built the teddy bear, and then we just jazzed him up with a bit of black paint,” she said.
“It probably only took half a day.”
Across the district, the variety of designs has turned a simple drive into a festive tour.
The Grinch’s classic grimace painted on a bale.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
Ms Renkin said the trail had become something the community genuinely looked forward to.
“Someone starts, then four or five more continue on with it,” she said.
“I reckon it’ll be something that happens most years now. It’s just a bit of fun.”
A snowman, complete with an orange cone nose, waves to passersby.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
A gingerbread man and his candy cane.
Photo by
Djembe Archibald
